Peace Belle

Her recent form shows a horse still trying hard. A second place followed by two fourths, then a third just last week at Newcastle, shows she is regularly competitive in the mix. The fact that she raced just a day ago suggests she is an active sort, being given plenty of chances to find her level. Trainer Jennie Candlish, who operates from Basford in Staffordshire, has had an excellent season with 64 winners, so Peace Belle is part of a yard clearly doing things right.

Candlish has noticed something about this horse that points to a possible future. Peace Belle apparently has genuine speed—real natural pace—which has led the trainer to consider a completely different idea: running her on the Flat instead of over jumps. That is not a comment made lightly about a horse of her age. It suggests there may be untapped potential if the right opportunity comes along. For now, though, she remains a long-distance specialist who occasionally catches the eye, a horse worth following if you like backing runners that are slowly making their case.